The Syriac Roots of The Names of Lebanese Cities

The Syriac language has impacted the way Lebanese people talk, even if they're not aware of it. Many Syriac words have been adapted in the Lebanese language, and have influenced the names of beautiful Lebanese cities.

Thanks to the ancient people who roamed the glorious land, many Lebanese cities acquired their names from different Semitic languages.

Here are some Lebanese cities that actually have Syriac roots.

AMMATOUR

“Aamma d Tura” translates to “The People of the Mountain."

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ANDAKET

The spring with little water.

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ASHQOUT

“Asquta” means Rough and Insubordinate Land, which is a feature of the Kesserwan mountain region.

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AINATA

Syriac expression for The Water Eye, or Ain el May in current Lebanese

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AKOURA

A combination of 'ain' (fountain) 'qura' (Cold), Akoura means The Cold Fountain.

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AITOU

Two different meanings for the name of this northern village are (1) "quayta": the summer, (2) "ayta": the anger.

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BEHOUAITA

From Syriac “bet te7wita” for a place with a view.

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BASLOUKIT

A Syriac name referring to The Place of Ascension.

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BCHAMOUN

Syriac Aramaic for the Temple of Eshamun, a Phoenician god.

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